President Uhuru Kenyatta has encouraged foreign financial institutions to boost agricultural investments as part of their aid to African countries. In a recorded video address given at the virtual inaugural United Nations (UN) Food Systems Summit, held on the margins of the current United Nations General Assembly, (UNGA 76), the President asked financial institutions to encourage innovation and develop appropriate tools to assist Africa’s agriculture industry in reducing risks and losses.
As part of Kenya’s commitment to investing in effective and sustainable food systems, the President announced that his administration has launched a data-driven, inclusive, and creative food systems call to action. He went on to note that Kenya’s distinct food system comprises a wide range of diets as well as a climate-resilient livelihoods plan, which has allowed the country to make significant progress toward achieving 100 percent food and nutrition security.
Kenyatta shared that the national e-voucher program, extension, consulting services, market information systems, and commodity exchange services are among the five measures the country has employed to strengthen food production systems.
President Kenyatta indicated that the Kenyan government was dedicated to re-engaging the youth in food production by resurrecting 4-K and Young Farmers organizations to revive their passion in agriculture and teach them about healthy eating habits. His government has also strengthened school nutrition and milk programs, he added.
President Kenyatta claimed that his government has leveraged the power of innovation and digital technologies in agriculture, as well as created a climate that encouraged innovators to participate in agriculture’s transformation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres encouraged the international community to make emergency food and nutrition supplies available to places affected by conflicts and climate emergencies a necessity.
He blamed poor consumer choices on expensive and unavailable nourishment and asked governments and businesses to work together to enhance access to healthy and diverse meals.
The meeting was attended by Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Abdulla Shahid, President of the United Nations General Assembly’s 76th session, who promised to promote sustainable food systems in order to achieve the global goal of zero hunger by 2030.